Hello everyone,
Please start by downloading the latest version of volume D02.
If you are new to the course, please read this message to familiarize yourself with the conditions for participating in the lessons. You should also read the first message in lesson 1, where you will find advice on how to make the most of your study time and on the methods of practising that I recommend.

First we will study some technical exercises from volume D02.
- page 77 Jean-François DELCAMP (1956) GAMMES - SCALE - SCALES – ESCALAS
When changes of position are needed, you will be using the "position shift" technique. The position shift involves moving the left hand along the neck, from position to position, from fret to fret. Position shifts are shown by oblique lines linking two fingering indications given for the same finger.
Concentrate your practice on the passages highlighted in yellow, and do your best to perfect the position shift technique.

- page 80 Jean-François DELCAMP (1956) LIAISONS - LEGATURE - SLURS - LIGADOS
Ascending slurs are produced by striking (hammering down on) the string with a left hand finger. The faster and more decisive this movement is, the more volume is obtained. Practise particularly on the nylon (unwound) strings, as these are the most difficult to get a clear sound from.

The Tarentela and the 2 Villanos are played using strums with the index finger. The arrows indicate the direction of the strum. In the strum, several strings are struck in rapid succession, to give the effect of a chord, that is to say of notes played simultaneously.

- page 43 Gaspar SANZ (1640-1710) LA TARENTELA
In bars 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8 the thumb rests on the 6th string. In bars 3, 6 and 7 the thumb rests on the 5th string. It is important not to move the hand while the index finger moves up and down. Resting the thumb on a bass string helps to keep the hand still. It also prevents the accidental sounding of one or more bass strings that are not used in certain chords.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantella

- page 49 Gaspar SANZ (1640-1710) 2 VILLANOS
2 Villanos: While the index finger is playing the strums, the thumb rests on the 5th string. Except when the chord of A major is being played, where the thumb rests on the 6th string.

We are nearing the time when the exam piece will be revealed - one month before each of the following exam dates:
Second-year final exam 20, 21, 22 May
Third-year final exam 28, 29, 30 May
Fourth-year final exam 28, 29, 30 May

Please check the beginning of each lesson series to make sure I have correctly registered your submissions and that you have not missed any.

Please read through the details of how the exam is conducted starting here: viewtopic.php?f=41&t=62687#FAQexam1 and make sure you are ready to go.
Note: you will have to judge whether your playing of the exam piece is up to minimum pass standard by looking in the archive. Whatever level you are awarded in the exam, you will not be allowed to retake next year to achieve a better mark.

Be sure to use the metronome when learning these. I didn't want to mention it in case you were already doing so. But I noticed your counting out was as uneven as your playing so I thought maybe you had decided not to use it. The metronome is a real aggravation at times......

It forces a slow steady pace which more effective I think, even though my first 6-8 attempts always result in stumbling and, initially, frustration. I find slowing down initially gives me a lot of trouble (uneven pace, still mess up notes), as when going too fast. However overcoming these difficulties (or learning) is best accomplished by first going "too slow", then gradually picking up speed, rather than working things at a "non-specific or natural" or fast tempo.

After registering with the Spanish site, I decided to go look around and see how D02 students were doing with lessons. Some of them are doing very well in my opinion.

The next time you guys are out there, I recommend you check out Pedro Leon's posts. This guy has "wicked skills" with guitar. He's one of the best students I've heard. He sounds like a pro, and it looks like he's doing D02 and D03 at the same time (a feat for sure).

Very impressive playing I think. Go check him out if you get the chance.